Juhi wants tax-free status for 'Chalk N Duster' in Maharashtra

Mumbai: Educational drama "Chalk N Duster" actor Juhi Chawla wants the film to be declared tax-free in Maharashtra like in four states which have given it this status.

"It's a matter of great joy that as soon as the committees watched the film, they felt that this film should be tax-free and that it should reach the people. We have received it so soon in four states, but I'm waiting for Maharashtra because it is our home. This is where Bollywood is, and this is where the film was made - shooting took place in Mumbai and Aurangabad," said Juhi at a screening of the film.

"So I feel that others are giving us a lot of respect and love, and it'd be great if our home (state) also gives us recognition."

The film has received tax-free tag in Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Juhi had tweeted about her delight at did and the other lead actress Shabana Azmi also had shared her joy about the news.

The film has received positive reviews from some critics, and Juhi said it was "heartwarming".

"When I had heard the script of the film, it had touched me. And in the same way it has been touching the hearts of the audiences, so I feel delighted. The most strong point of the film is its content - its writing and its intentions. If it touches your heart, our work feels satisfied."

Did she invite her good friend and business partner Shah Rukh Khan for a screening? "I couldn't get the time to invite anyone... literally there was no screening from my side since just two days back the film got ready. We were all over the place for promotions, so I couldn't get time," she said.

Jayant Gilatar's "Chalk N Duster" deals with how the commercialization affects the education system. The film also starring Zarina Wahab, Richa Chadha, Divya Dutta, Samir Soni, Jackie Shroff among others, released on Friday.